Ms. Kaye's Road to Recovery
By: Amber Ford, The Mountain Times
There are so many unique and wonderful things in The Mt. Hood Villages and The Mt. Hood National Forest. A snow-covered mountain, pristine lakes and rivers, lush forests for hiking and camping, the ever-present wonder of Bigfoot, and the one and only Ms. Kaye Lessor.
A legend in her own right, Lessor has been a staple in the mountain community and everyone’s favorite bartender for the last 33 years: she is presently at The Whistle Stop. Known for her ability to pack a verbal punch to anyone who enters her domain, her wit and her ability to turn a phrase has kept patrons entertained for decades.
Although many would pick her in a fight against the God of Thunder himself, she suffered a major medical emergency at the end of June, leaving her hospitalized and out of work. According to her sister and fellow Mt. Hood Villages resident, Nichole Watts, a stroke occurred from a blood clot on the left side of her brain. Watt’s said that “she was in the hospital from the day of the stroke until Friday, July 3rd, when she was then transferred to R.I.O. (Legacy Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon).”
According to The C.D.C (The Center for Disease Control), a stroke happens when blood flow to the brain stops, caused by a blocked or burst blood vessel. The C.D.C. also says that “the side of the body that is opposite to the side of the brain where the stroke occurred is the most affected.” The C.D.C. goes on to explain that a serious stroke can “result in weakness or paralysis, trouble speaking or understanding speech, slow or cautious behavior, and memory loss.” Lessor is dealing with several of those side effects, and working to regain her strength is at the forefront of this most trying experience.
As many of her patrons, friends, and family members deal with her temporary absence, her role in the community is noted. Friend and loyal patron, Nicole Guyer, is one of the many who are eager for her triumphant return. “Kaye is like an institution on this mountain,” she said, adding “I think I speak for everyone when I say we are counting down the days until we see her back behind the bar,” she added.
As the time off for Lessor is still undetermined due to her physical therapy needs, finances will become an issue. To offset that deficit, her close friends have created a GoFundMe account, as well as planned and hosted a benefit dinner in her honor. which was held at the end of August at The Mt. Hood Lions Club. When asked about the importance of the GoFundMe and the benefit, Guyer explained that "her needs will be great with so much time off work,” adding “it’s not only important from a financial standpoint, but for morale as well. Anytime we can celebrate the great importance of a member of our community, for whatever reason, shows them just how much we all care.”
The benefit dinner thrown in Lessor’s honor showered her in support, both financially and emotionally. Local businesses from Government Camp to The Mt. Hood Villages, as well as donations from close friends and family, lined the raffle table with unique items up for grabs. Gift certificates, handmade furniture, and apparel were among the items participants vied for, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Lessor’s financial relief. “It was an honor to participate and plan Kaye’s benefit dinner,” Guyer said, adding “we may all have our differences, but when it really matters, our community shows up when it counts the most, and although she’s cantankerously sassy in all of the comical ways, I think we showed her just how important she is.”
For those interested in donating to Lessor’s recovery please visit gofundme.com/supporting-kayes-road-to-recovery or donate directly to her Venmo @Kaye-Lessor.